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If you are looking to plant shade trees in Southern California, there are certain species that make better choices than others. Getting lost in the countless amounts of tree varieties can get overwhelming but fret not! We curated a list that will lead you onto the right track in deciding what the best shade trees for your Southern California abode might be.

Also, if you are curious to learn everything there is to know when it comes to shade trees, check out our comprehensive guide on them here.

Best Shade Trees for Southern California:

#1 – Camphor
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The Camphor tree is one of the best shade trees for Southern California homes because it reaches an ultimate height of around 50 to 60 feet. The trunk grows wide making it a sturdy tree. It also is aromatic and flowers in the springtime. While it will take longer to grow, the reward of planting a camphor tree will be great.

#2 – Podocarpus
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The Podocarpus tree is another one of our top choices if you are looking for the best shade trees for Southern California. This unique shade tree features thin leaves that create dense branches full of leaves. The result is a large area of impenetrable shade. This tree requires little maintenance and can grow as tall as 30 to 40 feet high.

#3 – Magnolia
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Ah, the gorgeous Magnolia tree. As you can see in the photo, the Magnolia is one of the best shade trees for Southern California because it grows tall and wide. The house is receiving a great amount of shade from the tree. If you’re looking for a shade tree that produces flowers, this is going to be one of your best options. The defining flowers of the Magnolia tree will add great aesthetic value you to your property while simultaneously providing shade. Win-win.

#4 – Mulberry
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Last on our list for the best shade trees for Southern California is the Mulberry tree! This large deciduous tree is fast-growing and produces fruit. If you’re looking for a shade tree that will grow quickly, you should consider the Mulberry tree. Make sure it has access to full sun exposure and you’ll have a shade tree in no time.

Hopefully this guide has helped you learn more about what the best shade trees for Southern California are. If you feel like you need to consult with a landscaping company for help with planting new shade trees, we make it easy to get started here. Best of luck in perfecting your backyard!

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